Scotland Faces Late Fitness Test

Swansea Striker Jason Scotland will have to wait until tomorrow to find out if he will be passed fit to face Cheltenham on Boxing Day.

The striker was set to miss the top of the table clash at Brunton Park against Carlisle United last Saturday. The fixture was postponed due to a frozen pitch at the Cumbrian club despite a military effort to get the match to go ahead.

Scotland had looked set to feature in the 3-0 win over Southend United but was hampered when he sustained a stomach strain in training.

Swansea City will be hoping for his return to the squad after the striker scored 3 goals in 2 games before his injury lay-off.

Should the former Dundee United player not pass his fitness test he will be replaced by Spaniard Guillem Bauza who will be out to secure his first league start for the club ; Since his transfer from Espanyol B in the summer.

Bauza has finally found his stride in the last month and has been pushing for a place in Roberto Martinez's squad.

Scotland has faced criticism in recent months for his work rate despite being the clubs top goal scorer.

Martinez also is very wary of making sure the players do not unravel the good work with a over the festive period and insists preparations must be correct ahead of the Cheltenham match.

Martinez told the Evening Post:

"'He (Scotland) was desperate to try to make it to Carlisle...the fact that the game was postponed means he's had an extra 48 hours to rest."

'We will see how he is in training over the next couple of days, but at this stage he is 50-50 to be fit for Cheltenham. If he makes it that would obviously be a positive for us.''

We will train and, because it's the day before a match, the sharpness and intensity will be there,''

'Then the players need to enjoy their Christmas with their families but be careful with what they eat.

'They deserve a chance to get into the festive spirit because of the hard work they have done, but we face Cheltenham on Wednesday and a Christmas meal is not ideal 24 hours before a game.''

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The Liberty Stadium outfit will go into the clash with the Robins will full confidence and will be hoping for a good result as the visit of 3rd placed Leeds United looms large.